Superfood of the Week: Apples

Loaded with antioxidants, filling fiber and a host of vitamins and minerals, apples truly are a powerfully slimming superfood. Not only are they delicious to munch on, but they're versatile to cook with, as well. From decadent deserts and fruit smoothies to savory salads and dressings, apples can be incorporated into pretty much any meal with ease. Try grabbing one on the go or incorporating them into one of these simple recipes.

Apple Pie Green Smoothie: Why not enjoy all the sweetness of decadent apple pie without the guilt? Bonus points if you throw in some spinach to get a serving of veggies before lunch time rolls around. Blend 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt with 1 medium red apple (sliced), a handful of spinach, 1/2 cup skim milk, 1 tbsp almond butter, 2 tsp pure maple syrup and 1/4 tsp cinnamon until smooth. (Check out a similar recipe here.)

Apple Nachos: Hold up–we’re not talking about the meaty, cheese-laden kind covered with sour cream here, even though we do have an awesome, lightened-up version of those. This fun twist on the pub classic is a fabulous mid-day snack because although you’ll feel like you’re indulging in dessert, the dish is packed with fiber to keep your hunger at bay throughout the afternoon. Make ‘em by first slicing one large apple and tossing with a bit of lemon juice to avoid browning. Then, melt 2 tbsp almond or peanut butter in the microwave until runny. Drizzle nut butter over apples and top with a small handful of chocolate chips, shredded coconut, slivered almonds and pecans. Feel free to dig in with your hands, since these are nachos, of course!

Apple Chicken Waldorf Salad: Chicken salad is an awesome dish to whip up because it’s an easy one-dish meal and the leftovers taste even better the next day. This chicken salad recipe from Food Network gets a nutritional boost by using orange juice and Greek yogurt for extra protein along with apples, grapes, raisins and walnuts for serious fresh flavor.